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. 2019 Jun 30;49(2):96-106.
doi: 10.28920/dhm49.2.96-106.

A survey of scuba diving-related injuries and outcomes among French recreational divers

David Monnot  1 , Thierry Michot  2 , Emmanuel Dugrenot  3 , François Guerrero  1   4 , Pierre Lafère  3
Affiliations

A survey of scuba diving-related injuries and outcomes among French recreational divers

David Monnot et al. Diving Hyperb Med. .

Abstract

Introduction: Few studies are available to appreciate the broad spectrum of dive-related injuries (DI), which are not limited to decompression illness (DCI) and fatalities. Studies supporting injury-management efficacy from early recognition to first-aid, final treatment and outcome are also lacking. This study aims at making an epidemiologic inventory of DI among French scuba divers.

Methods: This online, retrospective, cross-sectional survey analyzed self-reported symptoms, context of occurrence, initial response and outcome. The relationships between symptoms and diver characteristics were assessed and severity scores created from the reports.

Results: A total of 799 divers responded, of whose questionnaires 784 were sufficiently complete to be analyzed. Approximately one-third (35%) of respondents had never experienced a DI. DCI-like symptoms represent a small fraction of DIs, the most commonly reported being ear barotrauma. Self-reported symptom rates decreased with increasing age and male sex. The ranking dive leader was the primary care provider in 58% of reports and 32% of injured divers never sought help. Management decisions (first aid and/or hyperbaric oxygen treatment) were related to the severity score. Complete resolution was achieved in 84 (74%) of 114 DCI cases, whilst mild (n = 22, 19%) and severe (n = 8, 7%) residual symptoms were reported. One in 10 divers who did not seek treatment for symptoms believed to be related to DCI declared some residual symptoms.

Conclusion: Based on these results, diving injury rates may be higher than previously reported. However, the most frequent symptoms appear to be of only a modest nature.

Keywords: Barotrauma; Decompression illness; Diving incidents; Epidemiology; First aid; Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest and funding: nil

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Activating triggers among injured divers (n = 114) for seeking help and determining hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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